We're gathered in the chapel. All patched members have their designated seats while a few prospects stand against the wall. Hanger begins our church meeting. "We've been called to help our Oklahoma Chapter. They're having problems with a couple suppliers. While they’re dealing with one, we need to take care of the other. It'll be a couple weeks before we head out because they need to work out the details of their plan." Hanger's eyes shift to mine. "Doc, we need you on this one." His stern eyes travel around the room. "We're going to be short on men without Demon, Chayser, and Writer."
Demon and Chayser originally came from our Oklahoma Chapter, but they can't risk stepping over that state line or it could mean life in prison.
"I'll be ready," I respond confidently.
He continues after a satisfied nod, "Our new prospect, Mullins, will be joining us, along with a few other prospects."
BamBam interjects, "You sure we can count on these prospects?"
I turn my attention to him, my intense eyes lock with BamBam’s. "I can’t speak for the other prospects, but Mullins was my 50-cal gunner in the Army. He saved our asses many times out in the war zone, and he specifically saved my fucking life. I owe everything to him because I wouldn't be standing here if it wasn't for him. I trust that brother with my life." I take a deep breath from the long spill, but my brothers don’t know Mullins like I do. He would lay down his life for his team and it wouldn’t be any different for this club.
Bam holds his hands up in surrender. "I get it. It was just a question."
Ghost speaks up, "You sure you gonna be good, Doc? You don't normally go with us. So, is it going to fuck with your head?"
"Nah, I'll be good."
Hunter pipes in, "What are we doing with the women and kids while we're gone?" I know he's worried about leaving Audrey, just as the rest are about their Ol’ Ladies. It’s like me with Daphne, even if she isn’t officially mine again. Yet.
Hanger answers, "We'll have them come to the club since we don't have enough men to protect all of them. I'll feel better knowing they're in one place." Hunter sighs a breath of relief. "Anyone need to discuss anything else?" Hanger's eyes wander around the room again, but everyone stays silent. "Church dismissed." He slams the gavel down.
One by one we file out of the room, walk down the hall, and out to the bar. It's time for me to leave. I spot Mullins sitting on a bar stool and I head in his direction. Coming up behind him, I slap his back. "I'm riding to Runaway Tattoo. You wanna go?"
He takes the last swig from his beer, sits the bottle on the counter, and stands. "Let's ride."
* * *
We park our bikes between Audrey and Daphne's cars. Side by side, we walk up to the front door and I open it for him to step through first.
Audrey looks up from her computer. "Hey, guys! Go on back. She's in her office." She gives us a kind smile. I guess she’s decided there's no reason for me to wait anymore.
I lead the way down the hall and knock this time. When Daphne tells us to enter, I open the door. The smile on her beautiful face knocks me back. "I figured it was you."
My own smile widens as I enter her office with Mullins behind me. He shuts the door. "Well, well, well. I finally get to meet the infamous Daphne." He struts closer to her desk, leans over, and takes her hand in his. She looks around him with a puzzled expression. He kisses the top of her hand, his dark eyes meeting hers. "Mayfield didn't do you justice." He whistles. "When you get tired of this asshole, give me a call." I know he's just fucking around, but an overwhelming sense of jealousy takes root in my gut.
Eyes locked on Daphne, I growl, "He's married." I punch his shoulder. "Back the fuck off."
He releases her hand, stands straight as he laughs. "I'm just fuckin' with you, man." He sits down on one of the chairs across from her desk. "You got anyone here that can give me a tat?"
Daphne laughs. "I'm the only one here, and you caught me on a free day. Fill out the paperwork and I'd be happy to."
My smile falls. I hiss, "The fuck you will!" They both snap their heads at me, gawking like I've grown an extra head. Mullins has a shit-eating smirk. "If you can't tattoo me, then you aren't tattooing him"
"Devon!" Daphne screeches.
I stare her dead in the eyes without a response.
She huffs in frustration. "Fine. You want a tattoo? C'mon." She stands, her glare goes to Mullins. "You wait out front."
I follow her heavy footfalls into another room while Mullins goes to wait with Audrey. Daphne slams the door behind us. "You are so fucking frustrating. You know that?" I grin and sit down in the chair. She starts to get things organized. "What do you want?"
"Give me something for the MC." A look passes across her features too fast for me to make out before she nods and turns back to continue getting her shit ready.
"Since this is spur of the moment, I'm going to do it free hand."
Without hesitation, I reply, "I trust you."
A few minutes later she has a marker in her hand and spins on the stool to face me. "Take your shirt off."
"No!" I blurt harsher than I intended. I don't want her to see my scarred back. I can barely look at it myself, how can I expect her to not be repulsed by the sight? I look down a moment before bringing my regretful eyes back to hers. "I'm sorry. Can you just do something on my forearm?"
She clears her throat. "Yeah, sure."
I hold my arm out for her to begin. It's silent for a short time while she concentrates on drawing. My palms begin to sweat, my heart rate speeds up, and my pulse races at the question I want to ask, but I'm terrified of the answer. Blowing out a deep breath, I work up the courage to ask. "Does Zane know about me?"
The marker stops, her gray eyes find my blues. "Umm. He used to ask a lot of questions especially after he started school and the other kids’ dads were around. I explained to him that his dad was such a selfless man and had to go and fight for our country. I told him that we had loved each other very much and that one day, I hoped he would return, but I didn't know if he would." Tears well in her eyes, matching my own. I tilt my head away from her as a few tears trail down my cheeks.
I have no words. Even after everything that’s happened, she still tried to make me be an honorable man in the eyes of our son.
She continues, "He’s seen pictures at your parents' house, so he knows it was you that night outside the shop. He wants to meet you."
My watery gaze meets hers. "I want to meet him too, Daph. I want my son. I want you back. I'm so sorry for leaving you. I'm sorry I fucked everything up. I'm sorry for not coming back to you. I’m just…I’m sorry for everything." My lip trembles as I'm about to lose it.
Her voice is quiet, "I know. We have a lot to work out, Dev. I want you to know, I was angry with you for leaving, but I'm so damn proud of you for going." Her words hit me deep in my chest. She sniffles. "Let's get started."
The vibration of the tattoo machine comes to life.